If two’s company and three’s a crowd, is it realistic to picture three offensive rookies playing for the Oilers next season? Is it likely Jordan Eberle, Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson and Taylor Hall/Tyler Seguin will all be here in October?

It’s rare that three rookies would make any team in the same year, never mind three players who haven’t played one season in the AHL. Based on past history the player most likely to make the team will be Taylor Hall or Tyler Seguin. Since 1997, the only first overall picks not to play as 18-year-olds were Alex Ovechkin (lockout) and Erik Johnson.

Year

Player

GP

G

A

Pts

1997

Joe Thornton

55

3

4

7

1998

Vinny Lecavalier

82

13

15

28

1999

Patrik Stefan

72

5

20

25

2000

Rick Dipietro

20

(3-15-1) 3.49 GAA, 0.878 SV%

2001

Ilya Kovalchuk

64

29

22

51

2002

Rick Nash

74

17

22

39

2003

Marc-Andre Fleury

22

(4-14-2) 3.64 GAA, 0.896 SV%

2004

Alex Ovechkin

Played in Russia due to lockout. Scored 52-54-106 rookie

2005

Sidney Crosby

81

39

63

102

2006

Erik Johnson

Played one year in NCAA, and scored 5-28—33 as a rookie in 2007/2008

2007

Patrik Kane

82

21

51

72

2008

Steve Stamkos

79

23

23

46

2009

John Tavares

82

24

30

54

The second picks have rarely gone directly to the NHL.

Year

Player

GP

G

A

Pts

1997

Patrick Marleau

74

13

19

32

1998

David Legwand

Went back to junior (31-49-80)

1999

Daniel Sedin

Played one more year in SEL. Scored 20-14-34 1st year in the NHL

2000

Dany Heatley

Played one more year in NCAA. Scored 26-41-67 his rookie season

2001

Jason Spezza

Went back to junior, then spent half year in AHL. In 2003/04 tallied 22-33-55, then played next year AHL due to stike

2002

Kari Lehtonen

Played another year in Finland, then two years in AHL, before playing 38 games in 2005/06

2003

Eric Staal

81

11

20

31

2004

Evgeni Malkin

Played two more years in Russia before scoring 80 points as a rookie in 2006/07

2005

Bobby Ryan

Played two more years in junior, then split season between AHL and NHL, before scoring 31-26-57 as a 21 year-old

2006

Jordan Staal

81

29

13

42

2007

James Van Riemsdyk

Played two years in NCAA, and tallied 15-20-35 this season

2008

Drew Doughty

81

6

21

27

2009

Victor Hedman

74

4

16

20

Three offensive rookies have broken in together before, but it’s rare to have three of them all 20 years old or younger. It’s more likely to see pairs of rookies than a trio.

The Colorado Avalanche did have three offensive rookies this past year, Matt Duchene (24-31-55), Ryan O’Reilly (8-18-26) and T.J Galiardi (15-24-39). Galiardi was 21 and played a year in the AHL after being a 2nd round pick in 2007.

Thornton and Sergei Samsonov (22-25-47) were both 18 in Boston.

Marleau and Marco Sturm (10-20-30) debuted in San Jose together.

Heatley and Kovalchuk broke in together in Atlanta with Heatley being one-year older.

Mike Richards (11-23-34) and Jeff Carter (23-19-42) were 20-year-old rookies in 2005/2006, along with 23-year-old rookie RJ Umberger (20-18-38). Umberger was the 16th pick in 2001, but he spent two years in college and one year in the AHL before debuting in the NHL.

Malkin and Jordan Staal broke into together in 2006, and they had lots of sophomore teammates; Crosby, Ryan Whitney, Colby Armstrong and Erik Christensen.

We’ve also seen it backfire. Kyle Turris (8-12-20) and Mikkel Boedker (11-17-28) debuted together in 2008/2009, but both found themselves in the AHL this past season.

CAN A THREESOME BE BAD?

It’s possible the Oilers will have all three in Edmonton this October, but will that be the best decision for the organization and the individual players? Is it best for Eberle and MPS to learn in the NHL or would half a season, even a full season, in the AHL better benefit their development.

History shows that a year in the AHL, NCAA or back in junior after being drafted helps prepare most players for the NHL. Eberle and MPS have had that in the WHL and SEL, so maybe they are ready to make the jump, but the likelihood is that both could benefit from some time in the AHL.

The problem for the Oilers is these two kids could easily be better than their competition in camp, so the coaches might be forced to keep them. The Oilers aren’t blessed with loads of talent right now, and I’m curious to see if Steve Tambellini elects to hand his young players a job, or if he’ll bring in some veterans who can push them.

SPEAKING OF THREESOMES

We will see what direction Tambellini is heading in when the buyout window begins. From June 15th to June 30th, NHL teams can buyout any existing contracts, and the three most likely are Ethan Moreau, Patrick O’Sullivan and Robert Nilsson.

Tambellini has fired assistant GM, Kevin Prendergast, three long-serving training staff members and some scouts so far during THE SUMMER OF STEVE, and I expect him to make a statement about the on-ice product as well.

At the end of the season, I thought Moreau’s play might have saved his contract, but I sense that isn’t the case. The bigger question is which one, if not both, of Nilsson and O’Sullivan will be bought out.

Tambellini could keep both of them, and allow Eberle and MPS to develop for a year in the AHL. That move wouldn’t sit well with most Oiler fans, but it might be the best move long term for the organization.

I’d expect him to buy out one of them to show his players he is serious about getting players who are committed to improving and winning.

I think we’ll see two buyouts this month and two first-round rookies make the team.

Seeing a threesome in either category will be a surprise from where I sit.

One of Canada's most versatile sports personalities. Jason hosts The Jason Gregor Show, weekdays from 2 to 6 p.m., on TSN 1260, and he writes a column every Monday in the Edmonton Journal. You can follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JasonGregor

Realistically, I see MPS starting the season here. I think the Oilers will draft Seguin and send him back to Plymouth for another year of seasoning. Eberle will probably start the season in the AHL (15-25 games) prior to being called up.

For the love of God I hope Stambo buys out POS and Nilsson, moves Cogs possibly in a package as a means to dump a player like Moreau or Souray, and I hope we do hold on to Hemmer.

While Hemmer is at his all-time high in value based on his current contract, I would like to see how he works with the new, young talent the organization has in stock.

I was trying not to reference the picture since everyone else on here was being so businesslike and actually discussing hockey, but now that someone has brought it up . . .

Hall and Seguin as Janet and Chrissy is beyond creepy; it's sacrilege. I'm not sure who it degrades more, but I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight without my Hanna Montana pillow held tightly, that's for sure.

That picture was the tippping point for me in our Taylor/Tyler debate. Seguin's now got to be the favorite pick based on the fact that he's got the better rack.

"but the likely hood" Really? Do you proofread your stuff before you post it?

Wow, buddy. This is a blog, not a novel. Get a grip.

My '3' cents - Bring on the trio. I'm looking for another shot at the first overall pick (bottom 5 finish) next year. MPS plays against men in the SEL and both he and Eberle has proven that they can excel against some of the best players out there at Worlds. Taylor/Tyler may not be Sid Crosby but either one could make this team out of camp with dull blades and their helmets on backwards.

While the owner may like the extra coin that a playoff series brings, the 'Hawks and Pens didn't get where they are with a single good draft.

Not sure why people need to pull their head out of their butt. I know that those rookies probably aren't going to do equal or much better, my point is that I don't want 4 lines that have 2 midgets on each line.

First, pulling your head out of your butt is always a good idea :-)

Second, Eberle, MPS, Omark are not going to increase the toughness of this team.

It would seem that you are suffering from the same emotional reaction that was so prevalent after Penners "bad" year or Souray's first year.

"Trade da bums" might make you feel better during the offseason but be careful you don't create a new crop of bums.

Question: Name 5 players who have been negatively affected by playing an extra year of junior or a season in the AHL. (I don't know of any).

Next, compare that to the list of guys who were rushed and it retarded their development (I can name 5 Oilers alone- Brule, Cogs, Gagner, Smid, Greene).

For fun, then compare the records of the teams that tend to rush their propects (say Tampa Bay, Columbus) to those that tend not to (say New Jersey and Detroit).

Here's an idea why not wait and see what happens at camp? I could care less if we have 1 or 3 rookies in the line up as long as they are BETTER than the other guys. I'm not in favour of sending guys down just for TFOI. If Eberle, MPS,Hall/Seguin are better than what we have here then they stay if not then the go down that is all there is to it. I don't understand why people say we can't have 3 guys at once, if they are better than what we have up here send down the other guys. If they earn a spot it should be there's not this he played great "but" crap.

I see mps starting on the third line, he's got the size and defensive instincts. Whomever we pick first should be up, unless we trade down to 2. Eberle will need a very strong camp. I think sully and Moreau will be bought out if not traded at the draft

It's likely the first round pick makes it and then either Eberle and MPS could easily be on the Oil or in Oklahoma to start the Season. I can't see them bringing back either Nilsson or O'Sullivan will be back. Their both nice player and likely will rebound else where but never really worked out in Oil country for whatever reason. Should be an interesting off season to see who Tambellini gets rid of and adds this off season.

MPS, and Eberle are game ready and have played against men already. Eberle has showed that for the past two seasons when he ended his season in the AHL and dominated and produced at over a PT per game pace and MPS showed that at the worlds this spring.

As for Hall or Seguin, they are blue chips.

IF we have three rookies, I am one happy Oiler fan. It also means that the threesome of dead weight that you mentioned will most likely be gone.

Put the 'C' on someone under 30 and lets watch these talented kids light it up.

I would rather finish 30th next year with those kids in the line up than 18th with the current lot.

Omark will be fighting for a spot as well. I think Eberle will be in the ahl next year. If we swap picks and take Seguin 2nd overall I see him going back to jr's after his ten game stint. If we pick him first I guess he'll be here.

The only two guys who are ready IMO are MPS and Omark. We need some leadership either through trade or UFA. This team will be fun to watch next year with the grouchy old men off this team.

I can't wait for the SCF to be over so we can move on to the Draft. Tambi's time to shine.

I am all for sending all the kids back to junior or the AHL, not buying out anyone, and tanking the next season too.

Really this team needs to suck for at least one more year. I think there are other fans who want to see the Oil get another few high draft picks as there is no way to know if any of these guys will pan out.

And yes I will still go to games and watch them - I had season tickets in the 1992 to 1994 seasons. You hate Moreau as captain; he is a star next to Shayne Corson.

Lets be honest, these kids play for the Oilers now so I suspect at least one or two of them will get hurt with a career changing injury tying up their skates in training camp.

It would obviously be best if most of the kids played in the AHL for a full year with MPS/Omark/etc. staying overseas.

I honestly don't care how many rookies we see in the lineup next season. 1, 2, or 3... whatevs. If all 3 are NHL-ready, then so be it. If not, let's not rush them.

It's obvious we'll see at least one rookie in the lineup (Hall/Seguin) and that's enough to keep me excited for next season.

OT: Seeing the same ads repeat on the right side of the blog 3 friggen times just for the sake of filling up space is both annoying/unprofessional. I know that I would click on the ads much more if it weren't set up like this. If it's really neccessary to fill up the space, it can be achieved without the awful repetition with a jQuery script to make the ads automatically 'scroll' down with the user.

Omark will be fighting for a spot as well. I think Eberle will be in the ahl next year. If we swap picks and take Seguin 2nd overall I see him going back to jr's after his ten game stint. If we pick him first I guess he'll be here.

The only two guys who are ready IMO are MPS and Omark. We need some leadership either through trade or UFA. This team will be fun to watch next year with the grouchy old men off this team.

I can't wait for the SCF to be over so we can move on to the Draft. Tambi's time to shine.

The Oilers don't need to, and won't, "swap" picks to take Seguin. They will pick first and try to get something from Boston to pass on Hall.

Where Seguin is taken has zero bearing, none, on whether he plays in the NHL or is returned to junior next season.

I'm with your thinking on this Jason. I was listening to your show yesterday as you were getting ribbed by Rishaug and Spector about your point of view about playing three rookie forwards in the same lineup. I say pencil them in the lineup right now (as long as they are signed), don't go finding UFA filler, and let the chips fall where they may. Watching these kids play off and on for the past year, they have shown nothing that they aren't better than the Nilsson's and O'Sullivan's of the world. These 3 players aren't your avereage prospects, these are high end prodigies, and should be treated as such. These kids can play, but they are still kids, so monitor closely, but let them play.

I really hope that they send Eberle down. He has had so many "moments" in the past couple of seasons that if he doesn't succeed up here, it could get ugly. Not that I don't think that he can, he could be set up for failure pretty quickly if he doesn't meet the fans expectations.

He has played on a terrible team in Regina the last couple of years, so I don't think that he needs to be "broken" in a way that Schremp was, but him playing in OKC & getting tons of ice time would be more beneficial.

We could slot MPS into Bobby's or POS's slot & get at least the same effort & production probably. Is it unrealistic to think that our rookies could get 10 goals & 20 assists? I just lean to MPS as he is bigger & has played against bigger & faster players for a bit longer.

The first pick would be a tough one to judge. The expectations on either of them would be enormous to come in here. Where would we set the bar on either of them?

Next season doesn't matter from a standings perspective. What matters is development. Kids should prove themselves at the AHL before making the team.

I don't see any buyouts. Buyouts are for contenders who need to keep the core togther. The Oilers will not have cap issues once they deal Souray. POS and Nilsson will stick around to see if they bounce back and so that the kids are not thrown in the deepend. They can be dealt at the deadline at which time a kid or two can move up.

Moreau should have some trade value and if not he could be sent to the farm for a little attitude adjustment. I expect 5 games in the AHL will have him coming back spitting fire. Taking the "C" and therefore the leadership of the team away from him will probably be enough. He can be dealt at the deadline too.

If things work out right there will be one or two rookies on the team but they will be on defence - Peckham and a ready prospect brought in from elsewhere.

The big job for Tambi will be to trade Souray, rebuild the defence and find some toughness/ checkers for the 3rd and 4th lines.

Seguin will be sent back to junior so he can do an Eberle - dominate junior, play in the World Juniors and maybe play 9 games in pro.

If everything works out three offensive guys will be ready for 2011-2012 with an AHL season/ extra junior season under their belts. They will be able to step into a team with strong 3rd/ 4th lines, a very good 1st line, toughness, a good defence and decent goaltending. This gives them the best chance to succeed.

I think that we have a lot of time before we really have to worry about this. There is so much that can happen from now until the start of next season. As we seen last year you don't know who will be in the lineup until that first game starts.

Isn't there like 18 or something teams that currently have a buyout on their books? The buyouts from our point of view have very little to do with the salary cap, it would be about proving a point(as gregor said) and opening up roster spots.

Steve Tambellini buy out contracts? As much as it would make sence it won't happen. Why? Steve's record thus far, along with Oiler previous situations, the Oiler are always compelled to make the best hockey deal for the club. Whether it would be to send either player to the minors, but most likely to package Moreau in a trade of draft picks. A buyout in the Oilers eyes, means bad press. when times are tough, and the image of the Oilers is crap already.

Steve Tambellini buy out contracts? As much as it would make sence it won't happen. Why? Steve's record thus far, along with Oiler previous situations, the Oiler are always compelled to make the best hockey deal for the club. Whether it would be to send either player to the minors, but most likely to package Moreau in a trade of draft picks. A buyout in the Oilers eyes, means bad press. when times are tough, and the image of the Oilers is crap already.

I believe Eberle is NHL ready due to his performance last year and this year in the AHL after his Junior season ended. His appearance at the worlds is also a mark in his favour. I think if he comes to camp and plays as well as he has in the past he should earn that spot in the big show.

MPS has been playing against men, and his play at the worlds was exemplary, but even so I am sure his play could be even better if he fine tunes it and dominates the AHL this year. I see him starting in Oklahoma and being the first call up when the inevitable injury bug hits.

Hall/Seguin are both eighteen, and neither are Sidney Crosby so I think both of them need some time in the AHL. With the two players listed above in the system I think it would be foolish to burn up a contract year. I would rather see them start in the AHL and help that team get a winning tradition. Unfortunately the decision isn't NHL/AHL, it is AHL/Junior and neither of them has too much to prove in Junior hockey so I would not be surprised to see them start n the NHL because of that.

One shouldn't forget that it would give a new Oklahoma Franchise a better start if the team is winning, which is more likely if we have MPS and/or eberle playing there. That might weigh in just a little bit.

Seriously guy, put some effort into how you present your thoughts, not just the thoughts themselves. As mentioned by the other guy referring to the ads, it just comes off as amateurish and unprofessional.

I get it, he doesn't know what he is doing & managed to alienate the whole dressing room.

How did he do that? Since July 31 2008 he has only signed 2 free agents that have played much time with the Oilers since he has been the GM. He also traded Eric Cole, a guy who wasn't going to resign here, decided not give Kotalik the kind of money he wanted, & hopefully upgraded Vish with a younger Whitney.

He can't screw up a consensus top 2 pick, he has acquired a couple of extra picks in the 2nd & t3rd round in the next 2 drafts. He can't control who gets hurt or how long they're hurt for.

If this team still stinks after the Khabi contract is done I will agree with you. But not many people can turn chicken sh*t into chicken salad in a season.

I get it, he doesn't know what he is doing & managed to alienate the whole dressing room.

How did he do that? Since July 31 2008 he has only signed 2 free agents that have played much time with the Oilers since he has been the GM. He also traded Eric Cole, a guy who wasn't going to resign here, decided not give Kotalik the kind of money he wanted, & hopefully upgraded Vish with a younger Whitney.

He can't screw up a consensus top 2 pick, he has acquired a couple of extra picks in the 2nd & t3rd round in the next 2 drafts. He can't control who gets hurt or how long they're hurt for.

If this team still stinks after the Khabi contract is done I will agree with you. But not many people can turn chicken sh*t into chicken salad in a season.

The problem is he turned day old Chicken salad (19th place team)into chicken $hit (30th place team)

I don't know how many times I have to say this: don't buy them out unless you need the cap space. With the cap going up 2M next year, I highly doubt the oilers will need the space, esp if Souray is gone. if the owner is willing it is best just to bury them in the minors.

And before that, try to trade either for picks or prospects. I'm pretty sure we can get someone to take them as long as we aren't asking for much.

I don't know how many times I have to say this: don't buy them out unless you need the cap space. With the cap going up 2M next year, I highly doubt the oilers will need the space, esp if Souray is gone. if the owner is willing it is best just to bury them in the minors.

And before that, try to trade either for picks or prospects. I'm pretty sure we can get someone to take them as long as we aren't asking for much.

Isn't there like 18 or something teams that currently have a buyout on their books? The buyouts from our point of view have very little to do with the salary cap, it would be about proving a point(as gregor said) and opening up roster spots.

I would like to see a list of players bought out to know for sure.

In the Oilers case they have a shortage of actual NHL players and cap room so why would they pay someone not to play? This especially the case when all the candidates have just one year on their contracts.

If you want to "prove a point", put them on waivers or send them to the minors for a while.

People need to pull their head out of their butt - MPS or Omark or Eberle are unlikely to score much better than POS or Nilsson this season.

You buy out Nilsson and watch him on another team outscore your rookie who is thrown to the wolves and has his development hindered. Great plan.

Didn't we just go thru this with Cogs and Gagner and now we are wondering why they can't play tough minutes, win a faceoff or play D?

Go to nhlnumbers and look it up, it's been mentioned numerous times and I really don't feel like looking it up and making a list.

Not sure why people need to pull their head out of their butt. I know that those rookies probably aren't going to do equal or much better, my point is that I don't want 4 lines that have 2 midgets on each line.

If we can't move Nilsson or O'Sullivan then it comes to the point where you have to cut your loses. Who says Katz is willing to spend 2mil on a player in the minors? Let them be better elsewhere they aren't going to be those players that we want them here.

So he was responsible for all the injuries. I guess he should apologize to all of the fans for screwing up Hemsky's shoulder, & busting Souray's hand.

I agree Khabi shouldn't have been signed & I thought that the injuries were a bit of an excuse at the start of the season. But the true colors of this team came out once half the team was hurt. We were too small & too soft. As far as I can tell the only part Tambellini had in it was acquiring POS. As far as I'm concerned this should have happened last season.

If everyone was healthy this season, chances are we probably would have missed the play-offs slightly & we wouldn't have this opportunity now. I'm willing to give him the benefit. If it means not being very good next season too I'm fine with it.

Guys like madjam will be the same people crying about the our rookies not performing to inflated expectations next season too. But if they exceed expectations, they'll be the first people to say "I told you so" as well. It's far easier to be negative than it is to be optimistic...

Good read. Are you aware of any UFA's that Tambellini may sniff around to find, I am not talking about a franchise player I am talk ing about a good vetern leader, who they could get for nothing perhaps a Mike Peca. As well do you think that Strudwick will be back? He is a good leader and seems well liked.

I was also reading on anouther blog site, a while back and it was saying that there is interest for Horcoff in Montreal with the Kostitisens coming this way. Now even if that unlikely trade would occur with one of those two a pending UFA, would that benefiut the Oilers?